Dustin Martin gives Richmond recruit Jacob Hopper tour of Punt Road

Jacob Hopper had never spoken to Dustin Martin before he was traded to Richmond but got up close to the superstar early.

Jacob Hopper‘s first picture as a Richmond player.

A “brilliant” tour around Punt Road with superstar Dustin Martin was the cherry on top for Richmond recruit Jacob Hopper, who said he felt like he had been drafted again after joining his new club.

Hopper revealed he had meetings with both Geelong and the Tigers after deciding through the season he wanted to leave GWS but said it “became really clear” Richmond was the place for him.

An injury-plagued 2022 season, in which the 25-year-old midfield star missed rounds 2-17, playing just seven games, gave Hopper time to think about his future after seven seasons at the Giants.

He said he’d “always wanted” to play in Victoria and settled on the Tigers after compelling talks with triple-premiership coach Damien Hardwick and their offer of a seven-year contract.

“The year was challenging, not playing much, being injured. I found myself with more time on my hands than usual and it was something that was always in the back of my mind to get closer to home and my girlfriend being form Victoria as well,” said Hopper, who was drafted to the Giants in 2015.

“It’s been an interesting process. It was sad to leave the Giants as well, they have been part of my life and my family’s life for seven years.

“The conversations I have had with Dimma (Hardwick) have been awesome. What became really attractive about the club was the people in it and everyone I had conversations with.”

New teammates ☺️🤝 pic.twitter.com/AhZDDY543B

— Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) October 12, 2022

That included conversations with triple Norm Smith medallist Martin, who was on hand as Hopper walked around the club’s Punt Road facilities.

“Dusty has been brilliant. He was very good when I had my walk through,” Hopper said.

“It was great just to hear from him. He was brilliant.”

The pair are sure to spend time together in the Richmond midfield in 2023, along with Hopper’s GWS teammate, Tim Taranto, who has also found his way to Richmond in the trade period.

Hopper said the pair had committed to doing “whatever it takes” to win the trust and respect of their teammates after both joining on long-term deals in the prime of their careers.

“The opportunity to keep playing footy with Tim was massively appealing. We’ve built a real connection,” he said.

“We’ve been on the phone, chatting away. The list is still a great position to be super successful. Just get me out there and I’ll do whatever it takes.

“I feel like I’ve almost been drafted again, just have those same excited feelings. Can‘t wait to get started again.”

Hopper also said he was injury free after his interrupted season and would be ready for the first day of pre-season.

Originally published as Dustin Martin gives Richmond recruit Jacob Hopper tour of Punt Road